Paper craft model with articulating element

ABSTRACT

A paper craft model with articulating elements includes a paper craft model sheet that includes a paper substrate including a cut out with a multiplicity of scored lines adapted to facilitate a folding of the cut out into a first atomic three-dimensional object. The sheet also includes a spherical orifice defined on one surface of the first atomic three-dimensional object. Finally, the sheet includes an additional cut out disposed within the paper substrate, and including a multiplicity of scored lines adapted to facilitate a folding of the additional cut out into a second atomic three-dimensional object. The additional cut out defines an articulation tab including a neck extending from the additional cut out and a head disposed at a distal end of the neck. The neck has a width not exceeding a diameter of the orifice, and the head has a width that exceeds the diameter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to modeling and more particularly to papercraft modeling.

2. Description of the Related Art

Modeling refers to the fabrication of a scale representation of aperson, place or thing. Historically, modeling has employed the use ofseveral different core materials including plastic, wood and paper.Paper modeling in particular has remained popular for nearly a century.Paper modeling involves the use of paper as a core material infabricating a scale model of a person place or thing. Paper modeling canbe broadly classified as either paper folding or paper cutting. Paperfolding, also known as origami, requires the production of athree-dimensional object through the exclusive performance of foldingoperations on a piece of paper. Kirigami, in turn, permits the use ofcutting and securing of different pieces of paper in order to produce amodel.

Card modeling as a form of kirigarmi, refers to the assembly of scalemodels from sheets of cardstock on which the parts are printed,oftentimes in full color. The printed pieces then are cut out, folded,scored and glued together so as to form the model. Pepakura, or papercrafting, refers to the advanced art of combining model types producedthrough card modeling in order to create complex models such as largebuildings, human and animal figurines and the like. In paper crafting,typically a sheet of cut-out parts each with pre-defined securing tabsis provided in which different components are assembled from the cutouts by folding portions of each of the cut outs and inserting one ormore securing tabs in corresponding pre-defined slits of the cut outs soas to secure the formation of different three-dimensional objects.Thereafter, one or more of the securing tabs of one of thethree-dimensional objects can be inserted into a pre-defined slit ofanother of the three-dimensional objects so as to create a compoundthree-dimensional object.

In fabricating a paper crafting kit of different sheets of cut outs, atthe minimum the individual parts with securing tabs must be printed ontoa paper substrate such as card stock. Optimally, so as to permit the“punching out” of each of the parts, an outline of each part can beperforated, laser cut, or die punched. Required folds can be facilitatedwith the pre-scoring of the folds. Once the cut outs are removed fromthe sheets, the cut outs can be folded as directed, secured utilizingthe securing tabs, and optionally glued to form the atomicthree-dimensional objects of the model, and combined with otherthree-dimensional objects to form the final model, and then painted andsealed to preserve the final model.

Of note, the customary use of securing tabs inserted into slits tosecure the atomic three-dimensional objects to one another allow for asecure and stable structure. However, the securing tab and slitmethodology does not permit the articulation of any one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects relative to one another. In fact, to attemptto articulate one of the atomic three-dimensional objects of a papermodel in respect to another is to cause the bending or tearing of thepaper model. Consequently, the tactile appeal of a paper model can belost upon the end user in favor of a plastic or wooden model.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art inrespect to paper craft modeling and provide a novel and non-obviouspaper craft model with articulating elements and a method ofmanufacturing thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, a paper craftmodel sheet includes a paper substrate that includes a cut out includinga multiplicity of scored lines adapted to facilitate a folding of thecut out into a first atomic three-dimensional object. The sheet alsoincludes a spherical orifice defined on one surface of the first atomicthree-dimensional object. Finally, the sheet includes an additional cutout disposed within the paper substrate, the additional cut outincluding a multiplicity of scored lines adapted to facilitate a foldingof the additional cut out into a second atomic three-dimensional object.In this regard, the additional cut out defines an articulation tabincluding a neck extending from the additional cut out and a headdisposed at a distal end of the neck. The neck has a width that does notexceed a diameter of the orifice, and the head has a width that exceedsthe diameter of the orifice.

In one aspect of the embodiment, a scored line defines a crease wherethe articulation tab meets the additional cut out, such that the neck ofthe tab perpendicularly extends from the additional cut out. In anotheraspect of the embodiment, the neck of the articulation tab extends fromthe additional cut out in a same plane as the additional cut out. Ineven yet another aspect of the embodiment, the additional cut outincludes multiple articulation tabs formed proximately to one another,each articulation tab including a neck extending from the additional cutout and a head disposed at a distal end of the neck, with the neckhaving a width that does not exceed a diameter of the orifice, and withthe head having a width that exceeds the diameter of the orifice.Consequently, the first and second atomic three-dimensional objects whensecured to one another by way of inserting the articulation tab into theorifice, form part of a paper craft model, for example, a model of amonster, a human being, a cartoon character, a vehicle, a weapon or abuilding.

In another embodiment of the invention, a paper craft modelmanufacturing method is provided. The method includes defining in apaper substrate multiple different cut outs, each of the cut outsdefining one or more different lines along which the cut outs are to befolded into an atomic three-dimensional object. The method also includesfurther defining within one of the cut outs a spherical orifice.Finally, the method includes yet further defining in connection with adifferent one of the cut outs an articulation tab comprising a neckextending from the different one of the cut outs and a head disposed ata distal end of the neck, the neck having a width that does not exceed adiameter of the orifice, the head having a width that exceeds thediameter of the orifice.

In one aspect of the embodiment, the cut outs are defined by perforatingan outline of the cut outs and the lines are defined by scoring. Inanother aspect of the embodiment, a scored line defines a crease wherethe articulation tab meets the different one of the cut outs, such thatthe neck of the articulation tab perpendicularly extends from thedifferent one of the cut outs. In yet another aspect of the embodiment,the neck of the articulation tab extends from the different one of thecut outs in a same plane as the different one of the cut outs. In evenyet another aspect of the embodiment, the different one of the cut outsinclude multiple articulation tabs formed proximately to one another,each including a neck extending from the different one of the cut outsand a head disposed at a distal end of the neck, the neck having a widththat does not exceed a diameter of the orifice, the head having a widththat exceeds the diameter of the orifice. In this way, each atomicthree-dimensional object formed by the cut outs when secured to oneanother by way of inserting the articulation tab into the orifice, formpart of a paper craft model.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The aspectsof the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elementsand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It isto be understood that both the foregoing general description and thefollowing detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only andare not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute partof this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description, serve to explain the principles of theinvention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred,it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to theprecise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper craft model with an articulatingelement;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an articulated coupling for apaper craft model; and,

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for manufacturing a sheetof a paper craft model supporting articulated elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention provide for a paper craft model with anarticulating element and a method of manufacturing thereof. Inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, a paper craft model isdefined by one or more atomic three-dimensional elements aggregatedtogether. Each of the atomic three-dimensional elements is formed from acorresponding cut out defined in a sheet that includes a papersubstrate. Each cut out includes a multiplicity of scored lines adaptedto facilitate a folding of the cut out into a first one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects. A spherical orifice also defined on onesurface of the first one of the atomic three-dimensional objects.

Of note, the sheet also includes an additional cut out disposed withinthe paper substrate. The additional cut out includes a multiplicity ofscored lines adapted to facilitate a folding of the additional cut outinto a second one of the atomic three-dimensional objects. In thisregard, the additional cut out defines an articulation tab including aneck extending from the additional cut out and a head disposed at adistal end of the neck. The neck has a width that does not exceed adiameter of the orifice, and the head has a width that exceeds thediameter of the orifice. As such, the second one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects can be affixed to the first one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects by inserting the articulation tab of thesecond one of the atomic three-dimensional objects into the orifice ofthe first one of the atomic three-dimensional objects while permittingthe articulation of the first and second ones of the atomicthree-dimensional objects relative to one another.

In further illustration, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paper craftmodel with an articulating element. As shown in FIG. 1, a paper craftmodel can be formed through the aggregation of different atomicthree-dimensional objects 110A-110L. For instance, a paper craft modelof a vehicle can be assembled through the coupling of atomicthree-dimensional objects 110A-110D and a paper craft model of afigurine can be assembled through the coupling of atomicthree-dimensional objects 110E-110L, each with respective artwork 120drawn thereon. In either case, at least one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects 110A, 110E can be adapted to articulaterelative to a corresponding one of the atomic three-dimensional objects110B, 110L.

Specifically an orifice 130 can be defined within one of the atomicthree-dimensional objects 110A, 110E, whilst an articulation tab 140 canbe defined on a corresponding one of the atomic three-dimensionalobjects 110B, 110L. The articulation tab 140 can include both a neck 150and a head 160. The neck 150 can extend from a surface of acorresponding one of the atomic three-dimensional objects 110B, 110Leither perpendicularly therefrom as in the case of atomicthree-dimensional object 110B, or within the same plane as a plane ofthe surface from which the neck 150 extends as in the case of the atomicthree-dimensional object 110L. In either case, the head 160 has a lengthL that exceeds a diameter D of the orifice 130, and the neck 150 has awidth W that does not exceed the diameter D of the orifice 130. In thisway, the atomic three dimensional objects 110B, 110L can be coupledrespectively to corresponding atomic three dimensional objects 110A,110E whilst maintaining an ability to articulate relative to oneanother.

Of note, each of the atomic three-dimensional objects 110A-110L can beformed through a folding of different cut outs defined in one or moresheets of a paper substrate such as card stock the securing of one ormore of the different folded portions of the cut outs using securingtabs and slits defined within the cut outs. In further illustration,FIG. 2 schematically shows a paper sheet for a paper craft model as setforth in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The papersheet 200 can include different cut outs 210A, 210B each being definedby a pre-defined outline 220A, 220B. In this regard, preferably theoutline is perforated so as to permit the punching out of each of thecut outs 210A, 210B though each cut out 210A, 210B also can be definedby laser cutting, kiss cutting, scoring or line drawing.

Each cut out 210A, 210B can include lines 230A, 230B specifying foldsnecessary to form respective atomic three-dimensional objects.Preferably the lines 230A, 230B are scored to facilitate folding.Further, complementary sets of slits 240A, 240B and securing tabs 280A,280B are defined so as to facilitate the securing of different flaps ofthe cut outs 210A, 210B in order to form respective atomicthree-dimensional objects. Of import, an orifice 250 can be defined inone of the cut outs 210A, and a corresponding articulation tab 260 canbe defined on a different one of the cut outs 210B.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for manufacturing a sheetof a paper craft model supporting articulated elements. Beginning inblock 310, multiple different cut outs are defined in a paper substrate,each of the cut outs defining one or more different lines along whichthe cut outs are to be folded into an atomic three-dimensional object.In block 320, a spherical orifice is further defined within one of thecut outs. Finally, in block 330, an articulation tab is yet furtherdefined in connection with a different one of the cut outs. Thearticulation tab includes a neck extending from the different one of thecut outs and a head disposed at a distal end of the neck. Further, neckis defined to include a width that does not exceed a diameter of theorifice, and the head is defined to have a width that exceeds thediameter of the orifice. It is to be recognized that the processdescribed herein can be implemented in an automated fashion through theinput in computer aided paper stamping tool directives for perforating adesign upon blank card stock, scoring folding lines onto the card stockand laser cutting slits in the card stock

Of note, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification,specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof. Also, the corresponding structures, materials, acts, andequivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claimsbelow are intended to include any structure, material, or act forperforming the function in combination with other claimed elements asspecifically claimed.

The description of the present invention has been presented for purposesof illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive orlimited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications andvariations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. Having thus described the invention of thepresent application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof,it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention defined in theappended claims as follows:

We claim:
 1. A paper craft model sheet comprising: a paper substratecomprising a cut out comprising a multiplicity of scored lines adaptedto facilitate a folding of the cut out into a first atomicthree-dimensional object; a spherical orifice defined on one surface ofthe first atomic three-dimensional object; and, an additional cut outdisposed within the paper substrate, the additional cut out comprising amultiplicity of scored lines adapted to facilitate a folding of theadditional cut out into a second atomic three-dimensional object, theadditional cut out defining an articulation tab comprising a neckextending from the additional cut out and a head disposed at a distalend of the neck, the neck having a width that does not exceed a diameterof the orifice, the head having a width that exceeds the diameter of theorifice.
 2. The sheet of claim 1, wherein a scored line defines a creasewhere the articulation tab meets the additional cut out, the neck of thearticulation tab perpendicularly extending from the additional cut out.3. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the neck of the articulation tabextends from the additional cut out in a same plane as the additionalcut out.
 4. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the additional cut outcomprises multiple articulation tabs formed proximately to one another,each of the articulation tabs comprising a neck extending from theadditional cut out and a head disposed at a distal end of the neck, theneck having a width that does not exceed a diameter of the orifice, thehead having a width that exceeds the diameter of the orifice.
 5. Thesheet of claim 1, wherein the first and second atomic three-dimensionalobjects when secured to one another by way of inserting the articulationtab into the orifice, form part of a paper craft model.
 6. The sheet ofclaim 5, wherein the paper craft model is a paper craft model of amonster.
 7. The sheet of claim 5, wherein the paper craft model is apaper craft model of a human being.
 8. The sheet of claim 5, wherein thepaper craft model is a paper craft model of a cartoon character.
 9. Thesheet of claim 5, wherein the paper craft model is a paper craft modelof a vehicle.
 10. The sheet of claim 5, wherein the paper craft model isa paper craft model of a weapon.
 11. The sheet of claim 5, wherein thepaper craft model is a paper craft model of a building.
 12. A papercraft model manufacturing method, comprising: defining in a papersubstrate multiple different cut outs, each of the cut outs defining oneor more different lines along which the cut outs are to be folded intoan atomic three-dimensional object; further defining within one of thecut outs a spherical orifice; yet further defining in connection with adifferent one of the cut outs an articulation tab comprising a neckextending from the different one of the cut outs and a head disposed ata distal end of the neck, the neck having a width that does not exceed adiameter of the orifice, the head having a width that exceeds thediameter of the orifice.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the cutouts are defined by perforating an outline of the cut outs and whereinthe lines are defined by scoring.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein ascored line defines a crease where the articulation tab meets thedifferent one of the cut outs, the neck of the tab perpendicularlyextending from the different one of the cut outs.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the neck of the articulation tab extends from thedifferent one of the cut outs in a same plane as the different one ofthe cut outs.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the different one ofthe cut outs comprises multiple articulation tabs formed proximately toone another, each of the articulation tabs comprising a neck extendingfrom the different one of the cut outs and a head disposed at a distalend of the neck, the neck having a width that does not exceed a diameterof the orifice, the head having a width that exceeds the diameter of theorifice.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the each atomicthree-dimensional object formed by the cut outs when secured to oneanother by way of inserting the articulation tab into the orifice, formpart of a paper craft model.